The Mares of Diomedes
Heracles travels to Thrace to capture the violent man-eating mares of King Diomedes.
The Story
Another Labour took Heracles to Thrace.
There King Diomedes kept a group of terrifying mares.
The animals had been trained or accustomed to eat human flesh.
Heracles was ordered to capture them.
The hero attacked Diomedes and his followers and gained control of the horses.
In one of the best-known traditions, Diomedes himself was fed to the mares.
After consuming their master, the animals became calmer and easier to control.
Heracles then brought the mares back to Eurystheus.
The story has the dark, exaggerated quality common to several of Heracles' adventures.
The danger is created not only by monstrous animals but by a violent ruler whose behaviour has made the animals monstrous.
By defeating Diomedes, Heracles effectively breaks the cycle that sustains their savagery.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
The Mares of Diomedes link Heracles' monster-slaying role with opposition to brutal human rulers. The myth suggests that monstrous behaviour can originate in kings as well as beasts.
Traditions & Variations
Different sources give varying details about Diomedes' death and how the mares are subdued. The episode is also sometimes connected with the death of Heracles' companion Abderus.